Bold Expressionist Oil on Canvas Painting, "Autumn Sunset"

Born in the province of Tarma, Nilton Hugo Espinoza Chamorro is better known by his artistic name, "Chamo." "With my brother, Joel, I began 'helping' my father weave when I was only five years old," he reminisces. "He'd let us help choose the color combinations, and it was there that my love for painting was born.

"I studied in a local art school for one semester, but dropped out to try my luck with handicrafts in the capital. As time went by, I realized I needed more formal education." Returning to his hometown, Chamo joined Joel [a Novica-featured artist], who had just begun his career as a painter. Together, the brothers perfected their technique.

"I'd describe my work as figurative-realistic," he says. "I take an image that approximates reality to the canvas. My motivation is a desire to express ideas beyond thought and feeling. I try to transmit what goes on inside me from day to day. My works are very deep expressions that come from the bottom of my heart to my hands that guide the paintbrush to delineate soft forms. I hope you appreciate my art."

Chamo has participated in a number of exhibits and competitions, winning Honorable Mention on several occasions.